Papua New Guinea (PNG) representative Ua Ravu, has officially signed a deal with the Canberra Raiders for the clubs inaugural season in the NRLW.
The PNG Orchids representative plays for the Harden Worhawks in the local Katrina Fanning Shield (KFS) competition. Ravu attended the club’s Regional Women’s Skills clinic in Griffith in January and was also part of the KFS Academy that ran for six weeks earlier in the year. This will be her first NRLW contract; a proud moment for the young PNG lass.
Ravu represented the Orchids at the 2021 World Cup as well as the 2019 World Cup Nines and the nation’s two Test Matches against England in the same year. The 26-year-old who grew up in Leeton, New South Wales, now lives in Griffith where she is a Game Development Officer for the NRL. Ravu expressed how grateful she was for the opportunity to join the Raiders and can’t wait to get started.
“It hasn’t really sunk in yet. I’m still getting all the emotions and there’ll still be more to come but it feels really good, it’s very exciting and I’m looking forward to it.”
“It’s something I’ve always dreamed of doing, so I’m very grateful for the opportunity.”
In addition, Raiders NRLW coach Darrin Borthwick stated that Ua was obviously rewarded with some good form at the local KFS competition with her PNG representation at the World Cup.
“I am really excited for Ua. It’s another good story where she moved over to Australia at a young age and never had that opportunity to travel to Sydney to play in an elite state comp.
“We talk about fitting the mould of being a good person but being a good player as well that’s what I’m most excited about with Ua. I can’t wait for her to get here and fulfil the dream she’s had for a long time of playing for the Canberra Raiders.”
Meanwhile, young Ua is joined by Elise Smith, who has a similar background as Ua in the KFS and was part of the Yass Magpies’ 2022 KFS premiership winning team. Smith who lives in Junee, New South Wales, started playing footy after she finished school and has played both Rugby League and Rugby Union over the past decade.
She represented the Riverina Bulls in the NSW Country Championships in recent years and has also been part of the ACT Brumbies wider squad.
“I’ve been blessed and I’m just so grateful to be able to put this green shirt on, it means so much to me. I’m so happy and excited for the journey.”
Furthermore, Coach Borthwick is excited to see the talented duo from the Riverina be part of his inaugural squad and is looking forward in seeing what their performance can bring to the team.
Source: raiders.com.au